Staff Attorney - Civil Law

Department: Civil

Reports To: Supervising Attorney, Civil

Department FLSA Status: Local 2320 - Exempt

Summary The 32BJ Legal Services Fund provides legal advice and representation to eligible 32BJ members and their dependents. Reporting to the Supervising Attorney and the Deputy Director of the Legal Services Fund, the Staff Attorney will provide legal services to the members of Building Service 32BJ who are eligible under the union’s Legal Services Plan.

• Provide legal representation in civil matters, including real estate, bankruptcy and estate planning before courts and related venues.
• Engage in client intake, counseling, research, writing, oral and written advocacy, and negotiations as a part of legal representation
• Draft pleadings, motions, memoranda of law, discovery requests and responses, and legal correspondence
• Represent clients in court hearings and other venues
• Develop legal strategy, build case theories, conduct research, and assemble evidence
• Provide clients with legal advice and guidance ▪ Conduct case preparation including interviewing, investigation, document review, and witness preparation
• Discuss case progress with supervisors and provide reports summarizing case status
• Maintain ongoing contact with clients, opposing counsel, advisory parties, colleagues, courts through telephonic, electronic, and written communication
• Update case files timely, including, file notes, correspondence, and file records
• Supervise (work product only) legal assistants, paralegals, and legal interns
• Be familiar with substantive and procedural civil law
• Have knowledge of areas covered under the Legal Service Plan
• Maintain confidential materials and information associated with all clients
• Attend member information meetings under the direction of supervisory personnel, including travel as required

• Juris Doctor degree and admission to the New York State Bar
• Strong negotiation, writing, research, analytical, and litigation skills
• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills ▪ Ability to balance a busy caseload and manage client expectations
• Compassionate approach in working with clients in difficult situations ▪ Collaborative team player with the ability to also work independently
• Ability to electronically file documents and cases with administrative agencies and courts
• Maintain professional appearance, workspace, and demeanor as a representative of the Legal Services Fund
• Analyze complex issues and exercise sound legal judgment, with the assistance and guidance of supervising attorneys
• Ability to appear before courts and agencies and present orally and in writing in an articulate and professional manner
• Outstanding communication, analytical, research, and writing skills

Work Environment The work environment described here represents the environment an employee will encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions